Gum disease -- also known as periodontal disease -- is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky bacterial film that constantly forms on the tooth surface. Because gum disease is usually painless, it often goes unnoticed and therefore untreated. There is extensive ongoing research regarding the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, and it has long been a well known fact that the mouth is a window into the body; many systemic diseases such as diabetes, Sjogren's Syndrome, and HIV first become apparent in the mouth.
In its advanced form, gum disease is referred to as periodontitis which causes rapid loss of tissue and bone surrounding the teeth and eventually leads to tooth loss. Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of gum disease and can occur at any age, affecting over 45% of adults over the age of 30 in the US.
Some warning signs of periodontal disease include:
- Red, swollen, and tender gums that easily bleed
- Loose or "flapping" gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Loosening or separation of the teeth
Risk factors for the development of gum disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Crowded teeth that are difficult to clean and floss
- Diabetes
- Medications including steroids, some calcium channel blocks, and oral contraceptives
It is possible to have gum disease with no warning signs, so regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important. In its early stages, gingivitis can be reversed and usually eliminated with a professional dental cleaning followed by a diligent oral hygiene regimen. Treatment for advanced periodontal disease depends on the level of progression, and can range of non-surgical treatments such as Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy, to periodontal surgery.
The good news is that periodontal disease is generally avoidable, and in most cases treatable with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.